EVERETT — Knowing the deadly consequences abandoned fishing nets pose for marine life, a nonprofit has worked to remove 550 from Puget Sound this year alone.
That brings to 5,600 the number of derelict nets the Northwest Straits Initiative and its partners have dragged out since 2002. The effect: restoring 800 acres of marine habitat.
The group’s efforts to remove nets identified in shallow Puget Sound waters concluded in June. A celebration is scheduled Thursday in Everett to commemorate the milestone.
Removing these nets restores marine habitat, said Joan Drinkwin, who has been managing the program.
“Marine mammals like porpoises, diving birds and fish can now swim and dive in Puget Sound without the risk of being entangled in these dangerous derelict nets,” she said in a press release.
The celebration to honor public and private contributors is planned for 11 a.m. at the Port of Everett’s Boxcar Park, on 615 13th St. The park is south of the 10th Street Boat Launch.
The event is free and open to everyone. The foundation has invited U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and state Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton.
Murray and the late U.S. Rep. Jack Metcalf, R-Wash., are credited with inspiring the Northwest Straits Initiative, an umbrella group for regional marine conservation efforts. The three components of the initiative are a nonprofit foundation, a federally funded commission and county-level marine resources committees, including one in Snohomish County.
Metcalf’s widow, Norma Metcalf, also has been invited to Thursday’s event.
Assisting with the fishing-gear removal have been state and federal agencies, tribes, angler groups and heavy industry.
Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @NWhaglund.
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